NCM interviews Keith Getty

Darren Mangold reports:

Keith and Kristyn Getty have been at the forefront of the modern hymn movement over the past decade demonstrating the ability to successfully bridge the gap between the traditional and contemporary. The couple are currently living in the United States where they have just finished their second album together 'Awaken the Dawn', a collection of hymns that follows their first collection of hymns, the successful 2006 release 'In Christ Alone'.
Darren Mangold talks with Keith following the release of the new album......

Having been in the Christian music business for quite some time now and blessing the wide church community with such modern hymns as 'In Christ Alone' and 'Power of The Cross', do you both feel that this is exactly what you were born to do?
'We were born to glorify God and enjoy him forever - in terms of the 'professional' aspect of my life; I do believe writing modern hymns is a major part of my calling.'

It's said that you bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary hymn writing, has that always been your aim?
'Well - there was an artistic duality about my musical upbringing where I was definitely a classical nerd who loved choral, liturgical and high church music as well as studying theology. I was also very involved in youth groups, playing piano and guitar in worship bands from an early age and loved songs.
I think my love for Irish folk music and folk music generally was an even bigger influence as the melodic arch in most folk music allows it to be easily singable by mobs of people and very flexible in terms of being sung with bands, organs and choirs or with no musicians at all (which is how increasing amounts of Christians in the world today sing).
The biggest reason is probably my passionate core beliefs in church worship - that songs should be rich in the Word (which tends to unite people), that the congregation is the centerpiece of the experience and musicians are accompanying rather than leading as such. Also art should always strive towards a quality that transcends our generation rather than being just for the moment.'

What's the most challenging aspect to your work?
'Professionally - Writing - I've had to work so hard for limited results as a writer and it comes by constantly working at it - it's never come easy for me;
Personally - everything - especially living the truths of the songs we write and then realizing that God is infinitely more concerned with our lives, words, motivations and relationships than He is for the success of our work.'

Do you enjoy working together as husband and wife?
'I have had the privilege of working with two writers who share similar goals and are gifted with words in particular, and also with music, that's Stuart Townend and my wife Kristyn.
In both relationships we work for months (on a few occasions years) on individual songs so it is both challenging and intense as well as fun and rewarding.
Working with your wife...hmmm... that's a special skill?!
Kristyn and I have always worked together, long before we were together as a couple and so it's not so bad but it definitely has its moments - maybe ask her that one!'

What barriers do you come across in the music industry, in particular, in your dealings with theatre, TV and films?
'I don't really work in that world any more as my life is so ingrained in the hymns.
But I will say that hymn writing was difficult at the start as the modern worship movement is so geared towards shorter songs, guitar based songs and theologically simple songs. We have received much criticism from areas of the church that don't like certain theological ideas we have been keen to express in our work. Then moving to America we discovered that the hymns didn't often fit into the patterns of Christian radio (which has such an influence on the Christian culture and what is sung over here) easily.'

Do you feel an essential part of your music ministry is in collaborative works such as that with The African Children's Choir?
'No - when I turned thirty I gave up all that work although I'm thankful for the many incredible musicians I got to work with as they were part of the learning and maturing process for me as a person and an artist.'

Do you have any advice on ways in which the local church could aim realistically to help bring worship music 'out of the building' to the wider 'unchurched' community?
'Not really as in hymn writing that's not the primary goal although I do think worship leaders, pastors and songwriters have a solemn responsibility before God to ensure the gospel is presented clearly in the songs they sing so as it feeds both Christians and non-Christians. Also, our services should be conducted in a way that everyone presumes some of those involved will not yet be believers.'

Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years?
'Well every day is a gift from God so I'm thankful for today and don't presume on tomorrow. We do hope and pray for the opportunity, creativity and discipline of writing more songs for the Church.'

As Keith & Kristyn Getty stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. With songs that are timeless in theology and melody, much akin to the prolific works of Wesley, Crosby and Newton, it's not hard to imagine the esteemed roll call of the Church's greatest writers will one day include the name Getty, as they carry forward the great standard of the hymn for generations to come.